Paul Jewell has stressed that his Bradford City side must be on top form when they face First Division surprise team Watford on Saturday.

The Hornets have been a revelation since former England boss Graham Taylor took the helm.

They were promoted as Second Division champions last term and have made a great start to the current campaign.

They have confounded the critics with a string of fine displays culminating in last weekend's well-deserved 2-1 victory over leaders Sunderland which left the Hornets in sixth position.

Jewell said: "There have been a few clubs described as the surprise package this season, including ourselves. But I feel Watford have done very well.

"If you had told me at the start of the season that Watford would be where they are at this stage of the season, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

"But they are sixth on merit. We had someone watching the Sunderland game and they were full value for their win. It will be a very tough game for us because they are a good side."

Watford have one of the most impressive recent records in the First Division having lost just twice in their last 17 outings. They also beat City 1-0 at Vicarage Road.

Their squad includes former England winger Tony Daley.

Saturday's game starts a crucial four-week spell for City with fellow promotion challengers Ipswich and West Brom also due at Valley Parade either side of a testing trip to Sheffield United.

City will be keen to bounce back from last Sunday's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at Birmingham when a penalty from Paul Furlong three minutes into stoppage time sealed the points

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